Immigration
The ELCA has a long history of helping immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers settle in the United States and supporting fair and generous immigration policies. Most recently, the Church Council of the ELCA adopted a social policy resolution "Toward Compassionate, Just, and Wise Immigration Reform" at the November 2009 meeting.
The ELCA message on immigration was adopted by the Church Council in 1998. In addition, the ELCA has adopted a social statement on economic life, which is also used as the policy base for many actions taken related to immigration and refugees.
What can you do?
Learn: To learn more about the ways in which the ELCA responds to migration and refugee issues click here. A number of helpful resources are also available from Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, including a recently released report on immigration detention called Unlocking Liberty.
Advocate: Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service leads the way on the advocacy of this issue. Participate in the Stand for Welcome campaign or hold a DREAM Act Sabbath . Check out how people of faith can make a difference on behalf of migrants at risk.
Serve: Find out more ways to serve in your communities. Click here to get equipping resources for congregations and immigrant families.
Pray: Pray for families separated, people marginalized and communities at risk.
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service Issue Briefs:
ELCA Presiding Bishop Speaks about Immigration Reform
During his report to the 2007 ELCA Churchwide Assembly on Aug. 8, the Rev. Mark S. Hanson said, "What's one example of the opportunity that you might have to engage in bridge-building?...Think about what bridge-building might mean when it comes to advocating for a fair and just immigration policy."
Listen (MP3 - 1.1 Mb) | 2011 CWA Immigration Resolutions 